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'We show that circuits normally involved in emotion, as well as cognition, are disrupted when this single transcription factor is activated.'

The research is published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Medicine.

Further studies on rats showed that when GATA1 was switched on, the rodents showed signs of depression. This suggests that loss of brain synapses may be linked to depressive symptoms as well as mental impairment.

'We hope that by enhancing synaptic connections, either with novel medications or behavioural therapy, we can develop more effective antidepressant therapies,' Prof Duman added.